Malaysia moves to develop aquaculture industry

Kuala Lipis (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Malaysia's Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry is developing the aquaculture industry on a massive scale by setting up aquaculture industry zones nationwide.

"The special zones can hopefully help the government realise the Trade Balance Plan by reducing the import of fish from RM8.6 billion (US$2.5 billion) last year to RM1.2 billion within the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) period," said Ministry Secretary-General Dr Zulkifli Idris.

Last year, the demand for aquaculture produce rose 21.5 per cent to 662,000 metric tonnes from 400,000 a year earlier, he told reporters. Besides meeting local demand, quality aquaculture produce such as "siakap", "kerapu" and tiger prawns could also be exported, he added.